DAR-2 turns over farm machines to beneficiaries in Cagayan

TUGUEGARAO CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Region 2 has turned over PHP400,000 worth of farm machineries and equipment to two agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in Cagayan Province to help them improve production and income generation.

Distributed by DAR to the Pata Multipurpose Cooperative in East Claveria were two hand tractors with 7 horsepower water-cooled diesel engines; two heavy duty power tillers with cage wheels; and a heavy-duty power trailer with two pairs of tires and accessories comprising of belts, pulleys, blots, and lubricants.

On the other hand, the Nagatatuan Irrigators Association, Inc. (NIAI) from Gattaran, Cagayan received two units of floating tillers with 13 horsepower gasoline engines and standard accessories.

“These farm implements will service more than 300 farmers here. And because the machines are mechanized, it would make farming easier and faster for them. It will also greatly improve their yield and increase their income,” Tobias said.

He explained that the department, through its Support Services Division, gives out machineries under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project which aims to improve farm productivity and increase the net income of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in a sustainable manner through their organizations.

He encouraged the members of the two cooperatives to be diligent in convincing farmers, especially ARBs, to become members of farm cooperatives.

“The DAR can only provide additional support services to an organization if there is a growing ARB membership that will justify the need to deliver more farm machineries and equipment,” Tobias said.

After the turnover of farm equipment, training sessions on using and maintaining them were conducted for the farmer beneficiaries. (PNA)